Department Of Defense Recent Graduates Exceptions to One Year Training

Organization Length Series| Justification
Department of the Navy
Acquisition Workforce certification level and graduation
requirement dictates a minimum of 2 years to satisfy
training, experience, and developmental skills. Length
lof assignments provide transition point from Recent
24 mos 1550|Graduate to competitive service.
24 mos O8XX|
All other|
DAWIA (i.e.,
24 mos | 1103, 0346, ..)
Department of the Army Logistics} :
18 mos (0346)| Requires 11.5 mos of formal training plus 3 mos of OJT.
Required to attend ATSC Staff and Faculty Development
Program(Army Basic Instructor Course, The Systems
Approach to Training, Basic Course and courses in
Instructional} Synchronous and Asynchronous DL presentation),
Systems Spec|complete an MOS(specialty)-producing course and
24 mos {1750)|rotations through up to 8 functional areas.
DOD Inspector General
. Rigorous training program with formal training, OJT
tasks and developmental assignments. Required to
demonstrate competencies in key areas which cannot
24 mos 511]be observed in a 1 year period.
Department of the Air
Force Duration and length of developmental program is
based on specific acquisition career field requirements.
Some have as many as 16 classes. It is impossible to
Computer}complete prescribed DAWIA training in less than 2 years
Scientist/as that is the minimum amount of job experience time
24 mos |: (1550)}required to obtain certification.
Engineers|
24 mos (08Xx)
24 mos | Finance (05Xx)
- Logistics]
24 mos (0346, 2010)
Comm and)
24 mos Info (2210)}
Contracting]
124 mos (1102)
Program|
Management|
24 mos (2101)



c. Vacancy Announcements

(1) Organizations will post Job Opportunity Announcements to USAJOBS for all
Pathways Programs positions.

(2) An announcement may cover multiple positions.
(3) An announcement may limit the area of consideration to a specific geographic area.

(4) An announcement will indicate the potential for ‘conversion to permanent position,”
as appropriate.

d. Pathways Programs applications will only be accepted through USAJOBS.

e. Candidates will be assessed based on basic eligibility for Pathways Programs, using OPM

qualification standards and in accordance with 5 CFR 302 procedures, including application of
Veterans’ Preference, as appropriate.

f. Organizations may use appropriate category-like rating and ranking of basically eligible
candidates,

g. Organizations will establish procedures to ensure Pathways participants are processed/on

boarded in a timely and meaningful manner, ensuring IDPs are developed and mentors, where
applicable, are assigned within the prescribed timeframes.

h. Each Pathways Programs participant will complete the appropriate program Participant
Agreement upon appointment. The ending date of the agreement will be input in the appropriate
data field in Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS).

i. Organizations will adhere to 5 CFR 362 in the design and implementation of formal
training and development. The design and implementation of the training will vary based on the
occupational series, position requirements and the specific Pathways Program. Training for
Recent Graduates will consist of at least 40 hours of interactive formal training per year and
training for PMFs will consist of at least 80 hours of interactive formal training. Additionally
training plans may include projects and developmental assignments, as appropriate. The Recent
Graduate Programs identified in the attached listing of exceptions to the one year limit will not
exceed two years, plus up to 120 days extension, if appropriate. The Presidential Management
Fellows training will include an emphasis on leadership development. A formal training and
development plan will not be required for short-term temporary work, such as summer jobs.
Completed training will be documented in the employee’s record.

j. Mentors will be assigned to Recent Graduates and Fellows. Mentors may be assigned to
Interns.


Department of Defense Pathways Programs Officer (@PO)

NAME: Jeffrey Nelson, , DCPAS

GRADE/TITLE: GS-15, Chief, Staffing Branch

ADDRESS: Staffing Branch, Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (Suite 05F16), Mark Center,
4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22350-1100

TELEPHONE: (571)372-1540

FAX: (571)372-1704

EMAIL: jeffrey.nelson@cpms.osd.mil

DATE SUBMITTED: July 18, 2012

Department of Defense Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Coordinator

NAME: Larry Westberg

GRADE/TITLE: GS-13, Education Program Specialist

ADDRESS: Leadership, Learning and Development Division, Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory
Service (Suite), Mark Center, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22350-1100

TELEPHONE: (571) 372-2063

FAX: (571)372-2290

EMAIL: larry.westberg@cpms.osd.mil

DATE SUBMITTED: June 18, 2012



Defense Threat Reduction
Agency

24 mos

Contracting

Requires mandatory classes to achieve DAWIA Level Ii
certification, long-term rotational assignments, and
mandatory experience and exposure to various types of
contract actions.

(1102)



d. Major Commands/Activities are responsible for complying with 5 CFR, DOD and
Organizational policy/implementation guidance for workforce planning, to include budgets for
the training and payroll costs of the Pathways Programs participants as well as for projected
conversion at the end of their Pathways Program appointment.

e. Organization Pathways Programs Coordinator (PPC) is responsible for the Organization’s
Pathways Programs implementation and oversight, coordinating requests for extension of
appointments, and providing assistance to major commands/activities. PPC will serve as the
point of contact for the DOD PPO.

f. Supervisor of Pathways Programs Participant will provide Pathways Programs participant
with meaningful on boarding and current job description, establish performance goals and work
schedule, provide for training/development of the Pathways Programs participant, evaluate
performance, assess and determine disposition (conversion/separation) of participant at end of
appointment.

g. Human Resources Staff will provide information on Pathways Programs opportunities,
announce vacancies and verify eligibility for appointment under specific Pathways Programs.
Ensure the appropriate Participant Agreement is completed and maintained, per Organizational
policy. Complete appropriate documentation of appointment/conversion/separation. Provide
advice and assistance to Supervisors. Monitor program expiration dates of appointees to ensure
appropriate action is taken to convert or terminate the participant.

h. Mentors will provide guidance and advice to assigned participant(s), including career
planning, information on organization culture and other developmental assistance. Assignment
of mentors is required for Recent Graduates and Fellows participants and optional for Interns.

5. PROCEDURES

a. Program Labels. Components often have other intern programs in addition to those
found in the Pathways Progams. Within the Department, Organizations will identify their
programs by adding the name of the Organization to the appropriate program name listed below:

XXXXXX Pathways Internship Program (Example: Department of the Navy
Pathways Internship Program)

XXXXXX Recent Graduates Program (Example: Defense Logistics Agency Recent
Graduate Program)

XXXXXX Presidential Management Fellows Program (Example: Department of the
Air Force Presidential Management Fellows Program)

b. Identification of Pathways Programs Opportunities. Each Organization will provide the
DOD PPO a projection of the Pathways Program Opportunities for each program for the
upcoming fiscal year, as requested. The projection will include information required by OPM
and DOD.



Pathways Programs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Between the
U.S, Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
And the
Department of Defense (DOD)

I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

In accordance with section 362.104 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document
is an agreement between the above-named parties. The purpose of this MOU is to clearly
identify the roles and responsibilities of each party as they relate to the implementation of the
Pathways Programs. This agreement must be te-executed every 2 years.

I. BACKGROUND

Section 362.103 of 5 CFR authorizes agencies to make appointments to positions placed in the
excepted service, pursuant to the Pathways Programs. Part 362 requires the agency head or his
or her designee to enter into a Pathways Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office
of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to making appointments under any Pathways Programs
authority.

IL. POSITIONS COVERED

Any position, at the General Schedule, grade 1 through grade 12, (or equivalent level under
another pay and classification system, including the Federal Wage System), for which the
Pathways Program initial appointment allows and for which the individual is qualified.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES
a. OPM Responsibilities:

Provide implementation guidelines and technical assistance;,

e Review agency agreements in a timely manner;

* Provide guidance on how the agency shall submit data on the number of Pathways
Programs projected hires and participants hired;

¢ Publicize information to potential applicants on eligibility requirements and how to
apply to the Pathways Programs;

¢ Provide the agency with a vehicle to publicize hiring under the Pathways authority; and

Centrally manage the Presidential Management Fellows Program in accordance with 5
CER part 362, subpart D.

In addition, OPM retains exclusive authority to:
* Establish and maintain an oversight program;


k. Any break in the Program for Interns will be when the Inter is working but is unable to

go to school, or is neither attending classes nor working at the agency. The Organization may
use its discretion in either approving or denying a request for a break in the program.

1. Extension of a Pathways Program Recent Graduate or Fellow appointment, up to 120

days, is decided on a case-by-case basis. Extensions will only be approved for a reason that was
beyond the control of the organization and/or the participant. (Examples: death in participant’s
immediate family, extended illness of the participant, Organization directed furloughs).
Extension requests will be submitted to the Organization PPC for coordination of the final
decision. The appropriate change to the program end date will be updated in DCPDS for
tracking purposes.

m. Conversion/Termination. Pathways Programs participants will be converted/terminated
as provided in 5 CFR 362. The PPO will be notified in advance if an Organization anticipates a
participant, who will satisfactorily complete their program, will not be converted due to

circumstances internal to that Organization. This may allow for the participant to be converted
in another Organization within DOD.

n. Reports will be provided as requested by the DOD PPO or the DOD PMF Coordinator.

©. Questions or clarification of Pathways Programs regulations or policy will be submitted
through the Organization PPC to the PPO.


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IMPLEMENTING GUIDANCE
FOR THE PATHWAYS PROGRAMS

1. PURPOSE. This guidance provides the Department of Defense (DOD) guidance on the
implementation of the Pathways Programs.

2. AUTHORITY. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) and DOD authorizes implementation of the Pathways Programs (Internship,
Recent Graduates and Presidential Management Fellows (PMFs)), in accordance with 5 CFR 362
and OPM guidance within the DOD.

3. APPLICABILITY. This guidance applies to the Military Departments, the Defense
Agencies, and the DoD Field Activities and all other organizational entities within the DOD.
DOD excepted service entities and demonstration projects which have the flexibility to create
intern type programs are excluded from using the Pathways Programs.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

a, The Military Departments, Defense Agencies and DOD Field Activities (hereafter
referred to collectively in this guidance as “Organizations”) with independent appointing
authority, as defined in their respective DOD chartering directive:

(1) may recruit and appoint qualified persons under the Pathways Programs in
accordance with 5 CFR 362, the DOD MOU, and this guidance except that Recent
Gradates may NOT be appointed until the DOD MOU is approved by OPM;

(2) will ensure adequate resources to execute and maintain Pathways Programs,
Individual Development Plans (IDPs), mentors, training, etc.; and

(3) will identify an Organization Pathways Programs Coordinator (PPC).

b. DOD Pathways Program Officer (PPO) serves as the point of contact/liaison for DOD
with OPM and other Federal agencies on the Pathways Programs, providing information/reports
and updates on DOD implementation of the program; provide DOD oversight and guidance to
Organizations on implementation of the Pathways Program, including oversight of the
recruitment and the on-boarding process. The PPO is identified in the MOU.

c. DOD PMF Coordinator coordinates the placement, development, and other PMF-related
activities of Fellows appointed in DOD. Serves as the DOD liaison to OPM for the PMF
Program. The PMF Coordinator is identified in the MOU.


DOD PPO Information

DOD PMF Coordinator Information
DOD Implementing Guidance

Recent Graduates Program Exceptions


= Applications for Pathways Programs positions will only be accepted through
USAJOBS;

* Candidates will be assessed based on basic eligibility for specific Pathways
Programs, using OPM qualification standards and in accordance with the
requirements in 5 CFR part 302;

Qualified candidates will be rated and ranked using a category-like rating; and
= Veterans’ preference will be applied appropriately, in accordance with 5 CFR
302.

¢ DOD is committed to:

* Providing OPM requested information regarding the use of DOD Pathways
Programs; .

* Adhering to any caps on'the Pathways Programs imposed by the Director of
OPM;

* Providing OPM information about job opportunities for individuals interested
in participating in the Pathways Programs;

* Providing a meaningful on-boarding process for each Pathways Program.

* COORDINATORS. DOD coordinators are identified on the attachment and will be
updated as changes occur.

V. TERMINATION, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION

The Director of OPM may revoke this Agreement when DOD use of the Pathways Programs is
inconsistent with Executive Order 13562, part 362 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or this
MOU.

VI. FUNDING

This MOU does not include the reimbursement of funds between the two parties.

VU. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SIGNATURE

This MOU shall be effective upon the signature of OPM and the DOD authorized officials fora

ethic _ lng LT Bk

Kifbedly A. Holden Paige Hinkle-Bowles
Deputy Associate Director for Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Recruiting and Hiring (Civilian Personnel Policy)
E//Y 202 (uugot |e, AHI
Date UW Date

Attachments:


°

Establish caps on the number of individuals who may be hired under the Pathways
Programs or noncompetitively converted from the Pathways Programs to positions in
the competitive service; and

Revoke an agency’s authority to use the Pathways Programs.

b. Department of Defense (DOD) Responsibilities

DOD PROGRAMS. The Pathways Programs for the DOD consist of the:

Internship Program;
Recent Graduates Program; and
* Presidential Management Fellows (PME) Program.

DOD specific naming conventions are listed in the attached DOD Implementing
Guidance.

DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY. DOD authorizes Military Departments, Defense
Agencies and Field Activities to use the Pathways Programs as identified in the
attached DOD Implementing Guidance.

PROGRAM EXTENSIONS. Extension of a Pathways Program Recent Graduate or
Fellow appointment, up to 120 days, is decided on a case-by-case basis. Extensions
will only be approved for a reason that was beyond the control of the organization
and/or the participant. (Examples: death in participant’s immediate family, extended
illness of the participant, organization directed furloughs). Extension requests will be
submitted to the Organization PPC for coordination of the final decision.

FORMAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT. Organizations will adhere to 5 CFR
362 in the design and implementation of formal training and development. The design
and implementation of the training will vary based on the occupational series, position
requirements and the specific Pathways Program. Training for Recent Graduates will
consist of at least 40 hours of interactive formal training per year and training for
PMFs will consist of at least 80 hours of interactive formal training. Additionally
training plans may include projects and developmental assignments, as appropriate.
The Recent Graduates Programs identified in the attached listing of exceptions to the
one year limit will not exceed two years, plus up to 120 days extension, if appropriate.
The Presidential Management Fellows training will include an emphasis on leadership
development. A formal training and development plan will not be required for short-
term temporary work, such as summer jobs. Completed training will be documented
in the employee’s record.

¢ The DOD Implementing Guidance.directs that:

= Pathways Programs opportunities will be identified on a fiscal year basis;
= Vacancy announcements will be posted to USAJOBS for all Pathways
Programs positions;